Presidio board orders revisions to all three Crissy Field proposals

The three final proposals to build a cultural institution in the Presidio's former commissary site on Crissy Field are all missing the mark, according to the Presidio Trust.

At its Board of Directors meeting on Tuesday, instead of making their final selection — as they were scheduled to do — the trust asked applicants to revise their proposals.

The three proposals in consideration include George Lucas’ Cultural Arts Museum, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy’s Presidio Exchange and the Bridge/Sustainability Institute’s cultural education center.

After reviewing public comments, the board said it has three areas of concern: not enough clarity about the programs, the need to ensure that physical improvements — buildings and landscapes — are compatible with the Presidio, and the economic viability of each project.

“We agree with the public that this is one of the most important and magnificent places in the world,” said Craig Middleton, executive director of the trust. “The quality of the proposals and the level of public interest sustain our desire to see something wonderful happen here.”

Lucas, who in September had some unusually frank and harsh words to say about the Presidio Trust’s decision-making, is still in the running — even though he has threatened to take the project elsewhere.

Revised proposals are due by Jan. 3, at which point the trust will post any revisions on its website and hold a public meeting. After revisions are considered, the trust will finally make a decision.

However, cautioned Nancy Bechtle, the trust has the right not to choose any of the proposals. “Such is the importance of the site that we take seriously our duty to do right by it, even if that means waiting,” said Bechtle.